CAMPAIGN: REAR BRAKE WHEEL CYLINDER ROTATION
MODELS/YEARS 1978,1979 AND 1980 CUTLASS MODELS
CONDITION
General Motors has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in some 1978, 1979 and 1980 Cutlass models. It is possible that a rear brake wheel cylinder could rotate due to enlargement of the wheel cylinder pilot hole in the backing plate. If such rotation becomes excessive, contact could be lost between the wheel cylinder piston and the brake shoe and could result in the loss of rear brake fluid and consequently the loss of rear braking action.
These vehicles are equipped with a dual braking system. In the event of a rear system loss, the front brake system would remain functional and the brake warning light on the instrument panel would be lit. Absence of rear braking at a time when minimum stopping distance is required, could result in a vehicle crash without prior warning.
VEHICLES INVOLVED
All 1978, 1979 and 1980 Oldsmobile Cutlass models assembled at the plants listed below:
Model Year Assembly Plant Plant VIN Code ----------- ---------------- ---------------
1978 Doraville D Framingham G Ste. Therese 2
1979 Doraville D Ste. Therese 2
1980 Ste. Therese 2
DEALER ACTION
To prevent the possibility of this condition occurring on vehicles involved, dealers are to install a retaining bracket on both rear wheel cylinders to prevent them from rotating. These parts are available from WDDGM.
Normal maintenance items such as worn brake linings, leaking wheel cylinders, and parking brake cables found during the campaign that require replacement will be at the customer's expense. Customers must be contacted and their consent obtained Drior to replacement of any maintenance parts.
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this campaign at no charge to the owner, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.
Whenever a vehicle subject to this campaign is taken into your used vehicle inventory or is in your dealership for service in the future, you should take the steps necessary to be sure the campaign correction has been made before reselling or releasing the vehicle.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Using parts from kit part number 18013604, (see Parts information) install wheel cylinder retaining bracket on BOTH REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS using the following procedure:
1. Hoist and support vehicle.
2. Use a brush or scraper to remove rust and dirt build-up from areas 1, 2 and 3 shown in Figure 1.
3. Place a wheel cylinder bracket over brake pipe with bracket fingers toward the wheel cylinder. Refer to Figure 2.
THE RETAINER BRACKET MUST FIT FLUSH AGAINST THE BACKING PLATE MOUNTING FLANGE WITH ALL FOUR (4) BRACKET FINGERS EXTENDING INTO THE HOLE TO GRASP THE WHEEL CYLINDER.
In somes cases, it may be necessary to reposition the wheel cylinder to properly install the bracket. If you cannot properly reposition the wheel cylinder, brake drum removal may be necessary. Contact your Oldsmobile Zone Office for instructions regarding these procedures.
NOTE: Zone approval is required for this additional labor.
4. Insert the bolt from kit through the hole in the bracket and start into the clipped-on nut. Using a No. 8 external Torx head socket, tighten bolt to 6.72 N.m (60 lbs. in.).
The bracket may tend to walk inward down the axle tube as the bolt is tightened.
WHEN THE BRACKET IS PROPERLY INSTALLED, THE GAP BETWEEN THE BRACKET AND MOUNTING FLANGE MUST NOT EXCEED 3 MM (7/64"). REFER TO FIGURE 3. IF GAP EXCEEDS 3 MM, REMOVE BRACKET AND REPEAT STEPS 2,3 AND 4.
5. Grasp the retaining bracket by hand and twist. Bracket should not move. If the bracket can be moved, it should be reinstalled, repeating stops 2, 3 and 4.
6. Repeat steps 2, 3, 4 and 5 to install a bracket on opposie side of vehicle.
7. Lower vehicle and install a campaign identification label. Each vehicle modified in accordance with the instructions outlined in this procedure will require a Campaign identification label. Each label provides a space to include the campaign number, the five (5) digit dealer code of the dealer performing the campaign service, and the date vehicle was campaigned. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or ballpoint pen. When installing label, clean the surface of the radiator upper mounting support and apply the campaign label where it is readily visible.
PART INFORMATION
Parts for this campaign are to be obtained from WDDGM.
One Wheel Cylinder Retainer Bracket Kit, part number 18013604 is required for each vehicle involved in this campaign.
Because of the limited number of parts available at the time of Campaign initiation, owner notification and parts distribution will take place on a regional basis until such time as an adequate supply is available.
To ensure this kit will be obtained as soon as possible, it should be ordered from WDDGM on a C.I.O. order with NO special instruction code, but order on an advise code (2).
Description Part Number ----------- -----------
One Wheel Cylinder 18013604 Retainer Bracket Kit
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Description Failure Code Labor Operation Labor Hours ----------- ------------- --------------- ----------- Install Bracket 96 V2860 .4 Retainer Kit
Parts will be credited at dealer cost plus 30 %.
.1 hour for clerical administration may be added to the above operation number.
General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
